| As income tax filing season draws nearer many | | | | well an accountant works with his or her clients. |
| small business owners have began looking for an | | | | Since there are small businesses that seek a |
| accountant or other tax professional to file their | | | | variety of services from a CPA, it's important to |
| tax return. | | | | discuss fees, and the services you can expect. |
| Searching for a certified public accountant (CPA) | | | | Find out if you are expected to pay by the hour |
| should be done long before the beginning of tax | | | | or one lump sum for certain services. |
| season. Small business owners have found that | | | | Gone are the days when a CPA was just there |
| when accountants are snowed under with work in | | | | to do taxes. They're using their resources to not |
| March and April, it's almost impossible for them to | | | | only prepare tax, but also to advise |
| help new clients. | | | | business-people on their business. A CPA should |
| But despite the delay, when looking for a CPA | | | | be willing to listen and have an interest in knowing |
| there are some important factors you need to | | | | what's happening in the lives of their clients, and |
| consider. | | | | their business. |
| Find a professional who you feel comfortable | | | | Many people are looking for an accountant who |
| working with, and who knows your line of work | | | | will meet with them often, and keep abreast of |
| and the state of your personal finances. | | | | what's going on in their business. For example, |
| It is important to understand that you are putting | | | | getting a reminder that it's time to send in the |
| everything in someone else's hand, so it's very | | | | numbers for your end-end projection. |
| important who you choose to work with. | | | | Then there are others who are looking for a CPA |
| Choosing a good accountant who can satisfy your | | | | who will handle their books and records for them. |
| needs is not easy, but it can be done. You can | | | | Gada warns business owners who are |
| start by looking for referrals from other | | | | interviewing CPAs to be aware of the what-ifs. |
| business-people who are in the same profession | | | | For example, will the CPA handle the audit for you |
| as you. For example, if you own a small retail | | | | if you're audited by the IRS or state or local tax |
| store, your tax concerns would be very much | | | | authorities? |
| different from a doctor's, so what you'll look for | | | | A CPA ( should also be asking questions during |
| is an accountant with both knowledge and | | | | the initial meeting. It shows that he or she has the |
| experience in your field. | | | | best interest of the client. Questions like, what |
| The next step after getting the names of the | | | | areas do you need help in? Corporate taxes, |
| referrals is to interview them. And since your | | | | individual taxes, strategic planning, estate planning, |
| financial security and assets are at stake, he said | | | | business succession show that the CPA is |
| it's ok to ask probing questions about an | | | | interested in meeting the needs of the client. |
| accountant's background and experience. | | | | Accountants who may not know how to do |
| It would be in your best interest to ask for | | | | something, but are willing to turn to another CPA |
| references as well. This will let you know how | | | | or professional for help are strongly |
| satisfied a customer is with the service and how | | | | recommended. |